How to take Aerial Photography

How to take Aerial Photography

Naturally enough, aerial views of the
landscape tend to look radically different from pictures taken at
ground level, but the difference is really just a matter of degree.
Aerial photography simply takes the adoption of a high viewpoint to the
logical conclusion.

Around take-off and landing you can take
satisfactory aerial landscapes from a commercial passenger aircraft,
provided that you avoid the vibration of the fuselage and reflections
from the window. A rubber lens hood pressed up against the glass helps
in both these respects.

Exposure meters often give misleading
readings in aerial photography, so take a reading on the ground before
take-off, and a second in-flight. Split the difference to find the
ideal setting. Depth of field is riot a problem, because the whole
scene is distant, so set the fastest shutter speed you can.

The principal enemy in aerial photography
is haze, so a clear day is best. Take pictures as soon after dawn as
possible: later in the day heat blurs the view. Photographs taken in
the early morning have the additional advantage of long shadows, which
pick out indistinct marks on the ground.

Take note that hot air balloons rise up
rapidly, so don't skimp on film while the gondola is still close to the
ground (below). Higher up you may see only roofs.

BasicCameraPhotography.com is a participant in the Amazon Serivce LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com